Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Jabbour.
Hi Rita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my journey as a stay-at-home mom to six wonderful kids, dedicating my life to raising them and nurturing my love for cooking, particularly Lebanese food. I moved to Mount Dora 35 years ago, leaving Lebanon behind but carrying with me the rich culinary traditions of my homeland. Lebanese food has always been a passion of mine—it’s healthy, hearty, and delicious.
It was my husband and kids who encouraged me to turn my passion into something more, and in 2021, I took the leap and opened a small spot inside the Mount Dora Marketplace. It’s a dream come true to work alongside my children, and being able to share our authentic Lebanese flavors with the community is incredibly rewarding. The support of my family and our customers means everything to me. We’re hopeful that one day, we’ll find the perfect place to expand and grow into a full restaurant, but for now, I’m loving every moment of this small, meaningful journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has been a learning experience. One of the biggest struggles has been adjusting to the demands of running a business while still taking care of my family. Balancing those two aspects can be tough, especially in the beginning. There were also some hurdles, navigating the local regulations, and getting the word out about our small shop.
But with the support of my kids and the community, we’ve been able to push through. The toughest moments were always met with a sense of resilience, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the growth and appreciation from our customers. It’s been a journey of determination, but it’s all been worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Beirut Bites, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is all about bringing authentic Lebanese cuisine to the heart of Mount Dora. We specialize in traditional, homemade Lebanese dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Our menu features everything from savory shawarma and falafel to hearty kibbeh and tabbouleh, all prepared with the care and love that I’ve always put into my cooking for my family. What truly sets us apart is the authenticity and the fact that all our recipes are passed down from generations, giving our customers a taste of real Lebanese home cooking.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the family aspect of our business. My kids are actively involved in the daily operations, which makes it even more special. Being able to share our heritage with others while having my family by my side is something I treasure deeply. I’m also excited to share that my daughter has added a special treat to our menu, the viral Dubai Chocolate Bars and Dubai Strawberry Cups, which were introduced last fall. The chocolate bars are stuffed with pistachio butter and crispy phyllo dough, and they’ve been an absolute hit with our customers! It’s been so fun to offer something unique and delicious that’s been loved by so many.
What I want our readers to know is that our food isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. We focus on bringing people together over delicious, comforting food, and we take great pride in offering a truly authentic taste of Lebanon. We aim to make every customer feel like part of our family, and we hope they leave with not only a satisfied appetite but also a little piece of Lebanese culture.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role, both in positive and challenging ways. I feel incredibly lucky to have the support of my family, especially my kids, who encouraged me to start this business. Without their belief in me, I don’t think I would have taken that leap in 2021. It feels like good luck that we were able to create something so special in the community. The people of Mount Dora have been so welcoming, and that support has been invaluable.
On the flip side, there have been some challenges that felt like bad luck, like facing unexpected setbacks or dealing with things outside my control. But I’ve learned that luck alone doesn’t make success, it’s about perseverance, passion, and the ability to keep going even when things aren’t easy.
In the end, I feel like it’s less about luck and more about being in the right place at the right time, and doing the work that keeps moving us forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beirutbites__/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beirutbites21/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beirut-bites-mount-dora-2
